Humber Admissions Practice Test

Which type of bonding is crucial in determining the properties of metals?

1. Intramolecular forces

2. Metallic bonding

3. Dispersion forces

4. Dipole-dipole forces

The correct answer is: Metallic bonding

Metallic bonding is crucial in determining the properties of metals because it involves a unique arrangement of atoms and the behavior of electrons within a metallic structure. In metallic bonding, metal atoms release some of their electrons to form a "sea of electrons" that are free to move throughout the metal. This delocalization of electrons allows for several key properties commonly associated with metals. One primary characteristic influenced by metallic bonding is electrical conductivity. The free-moving electrons can carry electric charge, making metals excellent conductors of electricity. Additionally, the mobility of these electrons contributes to thermal conductivity, allowing metals to efficiently transfer heat. Another important feature of metals is malleability and ductility. The metallic bonds allow layers of atoms to slide over each other without breaking the overall structure, enabling metals to be shaped and stretched into wires without fracturing. The combination of these properties—conductivity, malleability, and ductility—stem directly from the nature of metallic bonding, showcasing its fundamental role in defining metal behavior. Other types of bonding mentioned, such as intramolecular forces, dispersion forces, and dipole-dipole forces, pertain more to molecular compounds rather than elemental metals and do not encompass the unique characteristics that metallic bonding provides.